China’s Military Modernization

Abstract

This chapter assesses China’s military modernization programs. Of particular importance are the catalysts that have led to such a rapid modernization, such as the Gulf War, the Taiwan Straits Crisis and the American response to that crisis, and finally, the ongoing United States–Japan alliance. Current military doctrines are assessed and evaluated, especially the concept of Anti-Access Area Denial (A2/AD) and its corresponding weapons programs, both foreign acquisitions and domestic production. Finally, the chapter tackles China’s South China Sea policy and concludes that military modernization has paved the way for increased Chinese assertiveness in the territorial disputes.